I'm in my 40s, I just don't act like it according to my wife!
That young kid was a real cyclist, I was watching his pedal strokes and he could power up the hills with ease. Makes me want to train harder now! Most of LA is flat, I just happen to live in the hilliest areas of the city.
Oh yeah, so I've opted to look for a full carbon fork. I read that alloy steerer carbon forks are bonded and in rough riding can actually separate. I'm sure there's a low probability, but if I'm going to upgrade I'll probably just get the full carbon fork which I read is more durable to begin with. Though I'm not in a rush right now to spend the $$$ on that unless I stumble on a good deal!